12 additions to the dictionary that prove we’re definitely in 2016

Four times a year the Oxford English Dictionary is updated to keep up with the ever-changing English language. This includes revising existing entries and, of course, adding new words that Oxford deem worthy of becoming part of the 600,000+ word family.

While there are many uneventful editions, there are many that will have you thinking “really?”. Here are some of the weirdest and wackiest words to be added to the Oxford Dictionary in 2016.

YOLO

You only live once (expressing the view that one should make the most of the present moment without worrying about the future, and often used as a rationale for impulsive or reckless behaviour)

(on the Internet) content whose main purpose is to attract attention and encourage visitors to click on a link to a particular web page.

‘Merica

America (used especially to emphasize qualities regarded as stereotypically American, such as materialism or fervent patriotism)

Slacktivism

Actions performed via the Internet in support of a political or social cause but regarded as requiring little time or involvement, e.g. signing an online petition or joining a campaign group on a social media website or application.